INTOXICATED

Chapter 23 | Stolen Moments

Reema walked briskly through the college hallway, her arms loaded with books and her mind preoccupied with her next class. She had managed to avoid Jungkook since the incident in his classroom. It wasn’t easy, given how persistent he could be, but she had convinced herself that maintaining some distance was for the best.

Still, her heart betrayed her every time she thought about him. His teasing smirk, the way he looked at her as if she were the only person in the world—it made her feel things she wasn’t ready to confront.

Just as she rounded a corner, a strong hand wrapped around her wrist, pulling her into a secluded alcove. The books in her hands almost fell, but she quickly steadied herself, her startled eyes meeting a familiar pair of intense dark ones.

“Jungkook!” she hissed, her voice a mix of shock and exasperation.

He smirked, leaning casually against the wall, effectively blocking her exit. “Missed me?”

“No,” she said, glaring at him. “What are you doing? Let me go.”

“Why are you always in such a rush?” he asked, ignoring her protests. “You barely even look at me these days.”

“I’m busy,” she mumbled, looking anywhere but at him.

“Too busy for me?” he teased, tilting his head to catch her gaze.

“Yes,” she said, trying to sound firm but failing miserably as her voice wavered.

Jungkook’s smirk widened, and he stepped closer, closing the already small gap between them. Her back pressed against the wall as he placed a hand above her head, effectively caging her in.

“Liar,” he said softly, his voice low and teasing.

Reema’s breath hitched. His proximity was overwhelming, his cologne enveloping her senses. She glanced around nervously, worried someone might see them, but the alcove was hidden enough to go unnoticed.

“Jungkook,” she whispered, her tone pleading.

“Reema,” he mimicked, his voice laced with amusement. “You’re so easy to fluster. It’s adorable.”

She glared at him, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re irresistible,” he countered smoothly.

Before she could respond, he gently took her free hand in his, his fingers lacing through hers. The simple act made her heart race.

“Why do you always do this?” she asked, her voice soft and uncertain.

“Do what?” he asked, feigning innocence as he traced circles on the back of her hand with his thumb.

“This,” she said, gesturing vaguely between them. “Pulling me aside, saying things like that… You’re confusing.”

Jungkook’s teasing expression softened, and he tilted his head slightly. “I’m not trying to confuse you, Reema. I just want to be close to you.”

Her breath caught at his words, and she looked down, unable to meet his gaze.

---

Over the next few days, Jungkook made it his mission to steal moments with Reema whenever he could.

During lunch, as she walked through the campus courtyard, he appeared out of nowhere, falling into step beside her.

“Let me carry that,” he said, taking her books without waiting for her response.

“I can manage,” she protested, but he ignored her, holding them effortlessly.

“Of course you can,” he replied with a grin, “but I want to.”

As they reached her next class, he handed the books back, his fingers brushing hers. The small contact sent a jolt through her, and she looked up to find him watching her intently.

“Don’t work too hard,” he said softly before walking away, leaving her flustered and wondering why her heart felt so light.

---

One afternoon, as she sat in the library engrossed in her studies, a shadow fell across her desk.

“Guess who?” a familiar voice whispered in her ear, making her jump.

“Jungkook!” she hissed, glancing around to see if anyone was watching.

He slid into the seat beside her, his presence commanding despite his relaxed demeanor. “What are you working on?”

“My assignment,” she said, trying to focus on her notes.

“Boring,” he said, leaning closer to peek at her notebook. “You should take a break.”

“I don’t have time for a break,” she said firmly.

“You do now,” he replied, plucking the pen from her hand.

“Jungkook, give that back!” she whispered, her tone both annoyed and amused.

“Make me,” he challenged, holding the pen just out of her reach.

She glared at him, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, you can’t seem to stay mad at me,” he said, his voice low and teasing.

Reema sighed in defeat, shaking her head. “What do you want, Jungkook?”

“To see you smile,” he said simply, his tone sincere.

Her cheeks warmed at his words, and she quickly turned back to her notebook, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

---

One day, as Reema walked past an empty classroom on her way to the library, she felt a familiar tug on her wrist.

“Not again,” she muttered as Jungkook pulled her inside, shutting the door behind them.

“What?” he asked innocently, leaning against the desk.

“Don’t you have anything better to do?” she asked, crossing her arms.

“Not really,” he said with a shrug. “You’re the highlight of my day.”

Reema rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re beautiful,” he said, his tone sincere.

Her smile faltered, and she looked down, her heart pounding. “Why do you keep saying things like that?”

“Because it’s true,” he said, stepping closer.

Reema looked up, her eyes meeting his. The intensity of his gaze made her breath catch, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away.

“Jungkook,” she began, but he cut her off.

“Don’t overthink it,” he said softly, taking her hand in his. “Just… be here with me.”

She nodded, letting herself get lost in the warmth of his presence.

---

Jungkook’s constant teasing and stolen moments left Reema flustered but undeniably happy. Though she tried to resist, she found herself looking forward to his surprises, her heart skipping a beat every time he appeared.

For Jungkook, those moments were everything. They were a way to remind her—and himself—that she was becoming an irreplaceable part of his life. And he wasn’t about to let her forget it.